Albuquerque, N.M. - Earning the program's best finish at the Mountain West Indoor Track and Field Championships, the San José State University women's team finished in seventh place with 37 points at the conclusion of Saturday's final day action.
"Our women scored more points than they ever have in the history of our program," said head coach Kendra Reimer-Gonzales after the meet. "They also achieved the best indoor ranking of all-time while besting some very talented schools along the way. We competed like champions and I'm so proud of their performances across the board."
The Spartan men's team, with 14 points, also finished in seventh to round out the week's action in Albuquerque.
"Our men are right on the cusp of making their presence felt," Reimer-Gonzales said. "Our distance medley relay team competed fiercely in a stacked field and finished in fourth place. They really started our weekend off right as James Burbank upset the field with a huge personal best that earned him some hardware to compliment his podium finish. We're right where we want to be headed into the outdoor season."
Freshman Mahkaia Lee led the women's team on Saturday with a second-place showing in the triple jump. The mark of 12.46m, second best in school history, earned the Spartans eight points en route to its final total of 37.
W Triple Jump | Jump for joy! Freshman Mahkaia Lee just took second in the women's triple jump with a mark of 12.46m.
— SJSU Track & Field/Cross Country (@SanJoseStTFXC) February 29, 2020
Results: https://t.co/6SZSqk55AQ#SpartanUp?? pic.twitter.com/w2dS8hAR8g
Senior Jose Piña led San José State on the men's side, placing 13th in the 3000 with a time of 8:37.17. Sophomore Luis Chavez finished in 8:49.37, good for 23rd place.
Lee, Jennifer Sandoval and James Burbank all received All-Mountain West selections for their podium finishes throughout the week.
UNLV took home the women's title with Colorado State emerging on top on the men's side.
The Spartans now turn their attention to the outdoor season, which begins with the women's team at the Rainbow Relays in Honolulu. The Relays are scheduled for March 13 and 14. The men's team starts a week later at the Sacramento State Hornet Invite, March 20 & 21.
Mountain West Women's Indoor Track & Field Championships
Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque, N.M.
Team Scores (after 34 events)
1. UNLV, 161 points
2. San Diego State, 126.50 points
3. Colorado State, 108.50 points
4. New Mexico, 70.50 points
5. Boise State, 48 points
6. Air Force, 43 points
7. San José State, 37 points
8. Nevada, 33.50 points
9. Wyoming, 18 points
10. Utah State, 9 points
11. Fresno State, 8 points
Mountain West Men's Indoor Track & Field Championships
Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque, N.M.
Team Scores (after 33 events)
1. Colorado State, 149 points
2. Air Force, 134.50 points
3. New Mexico, 120 points
4. Utah State, 95.50 points
5. Wyoming, 78 points
6. Boise State, 62 points
7. San José State, 14 points